The value & potential of the UK’s dinosaur track sites

Talk by Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham

Abstract:
Dinosaur tracks provide important data on the distribution of dinosaurs through time and space and unique information on palaeobiology and behaviour, such as dinosaur locomotion, herding behaviour and species interactions. Dinosaur tracks and trackways are typically not collected and generally are left in the field: as such they have significant realised and potential value for tourism and education. In our recent work, we have comprehensively reviewed the distribution of dinosaur track sites in the UK and their scientific and cultural ‘value’. Fourteen dinosaur track sites are present in situ in the UK today, distributed across England, Wales and Scotland, and spanning from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous. UK sites with considerable national and international scientific value include the Late Triassic dinosaur track site Bendrick Rock, in South Wales, and the Middle Jurassic site at Ardley and Dewars Farm quarries in Oxfordshire, parts of the latter having been excavated by our research team in 2024 and 2025. By contrast, the Early Cretaceous dinosaur track sites at Hanover Point, Isle of Wight, and Spyway Quarry, Dorset have relatively high cultural value due to their accessibility and visitor appeal, but modest scientific value. Our work helps identify threats and opportunities for UK dinosaur track sites, potentially helping to guide future conservation, scientific research, and public engagement efforts.